Participants of the ride have been offered an exclusive opportunity Aug. 26 to visit and taste the award-winning wines of Quilceda Creek Vintners.

The ride provides an up-close look at Washington state’s grape-growing regions known as American Viticultural Areas (AVA). The ride is the creation of long-time wine industry veterans Bill denHoed and Scott Pontin. The ride is intended to provide people who may not be involved in the wine industry with an in-depth exposure to Washington’s AVAs and a better grasp of what makes each region unique.

Each year, the ride grows as it moves around the state.

This year’s festivities begin Friday, Aug. 24, with a no-host social and dinner at Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles. On Saturday morning, riders will put their kickstands up and roll westbound toward Neah Bay to explore the 87th Annual Makah Days Arts, Crafts, and Food Fair. A shuttle bus will be available for individuals who wish to participate but who do not ride.

Participants will travel a 63-mile, 249-curve route. After lunch, motorcyclists and shuttle bus riders will head back taking 101E around Lake Crescent. In addition to the ride, stops will be made at vineyards to visit with local viticulturists and learn about the Puget Sound AVA. Upon returning to Port Angeles, the group will get some down time to relax before enjoying an eventful evening at the Peninsula Golf Club.

Sunday morning, the group will leave for Snohomish and Quilceda Creek Vintners. Additional details will be sent to registered Moteur de Vine participants.

The Moteur de Vine 2008 inaugural ride featured the Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, and Red Mountain AVAs followed by the 2009 ride exploring the Walla Walla Valley AVA. The Lake Chelan AVA, Washington’s 11th and newest appellation at the time, was the destination in 2010. In 2011, the group explored the Columbia Valley and Wahluke Slope AVAs.

This year, Moteur de Vine participants will get the chance to explore the Puget Sound AVA and Olympic Peninsula. To date, Moteur de Vine has raised more than $60,000 in support of the Clore Center.

In addition to the weekend’s events, a raffle is being held for a 2000 Harley-Davidson Millennium Edition Softail Deuce. Tickets are $100 each, and the drawing will take place during the Saturday night festivities